The SA Weather Service has forecast a cold front pushing in from the western parts of the country, with localised snowfall expected in some areas early in the week.
Abraham Kgapola lives on the streets of Johannesburg, where he endures cold winter nights out in the open.
During the day, he works as a car guard in Braamfontein. He says life on the streets is tough, and at times they are forced to use plastic sheets to keep warm.
“When it’s like, this we just have to be strong because we do not have a place to stay. We live in the streets. We sometimes resort to using plastic to cover ourselves. You see, plastic is number one. You cover yourself with blankets then add plastic on top. It is hot and you will sweat, but at least you will survive,” he says.
However, another street dweller, raised concern over the use of plastic for body heating, as it poses a risk of suffocation.
“Plastic kills. Imagine the whole night. That could be a death wish. It’s better if one finds a space in one of the shelters. Even though they only gave us two blankets. Those like the ones used in prison, but they are much better,” he says.
The City of Joburg says there’s a plan in place for its Disaster Management Team to respond to any life-threatening emergencies.
Joburg Emergency Services (EMS) Spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, says, “From our side as Joburg EMS, we remain on high alert, together with our Disaster Management, monitoring all seven regions of the city for any emergency, which might occur during these extremely cold temperatures. For any life-threatening emergencies, our residents are encouraged to call our call center.”
Mulaudzi has urged people to use heating devices cautiously to avoid fires and loss of lives.
“Residents are urged to exercise caution when using heating devices. Things like brazers, or imbawula and paraffin stoves, not to leave them unattended while not in use, so that we can be able to prevent fire incidents when they might occur,” he says.
Aid Organisation, Gift of the Givers, says they will be ready to assist.
The organisation’s Project Manager, Ali Sablay, says, “We are seeing an increase of many homeless people out in the streets, who do not have proper shelter. There are many shelters in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces to accommodate these people. We urge them to heed the call. We will also be on high alert to assist disaster management.”
Cold temperatures are expected to persist for the better part of the week
--SABC--
